Dehradun: Following recent allegations of ‘love jihad’ and religious conversion involving a minor in the Kirtinagar area, a youth from the minority community was accused of converting the minor, leading to heightened tensions.
After this incident, Hindu organizations vandalized shops belonging to a specific community in Kirtinagar town, Tehri district, on Tuesday. Later, this agitated mob then stormed the Kirtinagar police station, creating ruckus there.
Widespread outrage among local residents in Kirtinagar
The disappearance of a minor girl from her home late Monday night has ignited widespread outrage among Kirtinagar residents. The community’s anger was evident in the Kirtinagar market and police station on Tuesday. Local residents have issued a stern warning: “If the girl is not returned safely and promptly, and action is not taken against the accused, we will resort to intense protests.” The police are under significant pressure to act swiftly and efficiently to resolve the situation.
Police teams have been dispatched to potential locations of accused
After this uproar among locals, a case has been registered against the accused youth under POCSO and other relevant sections for allegedly pressuring a minor girl for religious conversion, based on the complaint filed by the girl’s mother,” Station House Officer Devraj Sharma of Kirtinagar Police station informed the media. “We will find the girl and bring her back by evening,” Kirtinagar Police assured the family and local residents. “Three police teams have been dispatched to potential locations to investigate the girl’s disappearance,” said SHO Sharma. “Our teams are working diligently to ensure the girl’s safe return and the accused’s arrest,” he added.
Alleged involvement of a specific community has further fuelled anger among residents
On Monday afternoon, a large crowd led by BJP leader Lakhpat Bhandari gathered outside the police station to protest the recent surge in criminal incidents. This demonstration highlights the growing concern among locals about the rising crime rate. Additionally, the alleged involvement of a specific community in many of these incidents has further fuelled residents’ anger.
Outrage in various parts of the state
In the recent past, there have been several incidents which sparked outrage among the locals in various parts of the state. Few days ago this month, a video surfaced showing a group of men in Chamoli district allegedly threatening Muslims and ordering them to vacate the area, which prompted widespread outrage. Similarly, a violent clash erupted in Uttarkashi last week resulting in 27 injuries, including seven police personnel. The chaos unfolded during a protest by a Hindu organization demanding the demolition of a local mosque, claiming it was built on government land. In solidarity with the ‘Jan Akrosh’ rally organized by Sanyukt Hindu Sangathan, markets in Uttarkashi, Dunda, Bhatwadi, and Joshiyada remained closed.
